The BBC has been criticised for having "untouchable stars" in a leaked draft of a report into sexual abuse by broadcaster Jimmy Savile.
The draft report, produced during an official review of Savile’s time at the BBC by retired judge Dame Janet Smith, criticises the corporation for having managers who were “above the law”.
It also warns that it was possible another “predatory child abuser could be lurking undiscovered in the BBC even today”.
Rapes, indecent assaults on both boys and girls, and incidents of “inappropriate sexual conduct” with teenagers over 16 were all “in some way associated with the BBC”, the draft report states. Three of Savile’s victims were only nine, it adds.
Incidents occurred at “virtually every one of the BBC premises” in which Savile worked, the report said, and more than 100 employees at the corporation told the review they had heard about Savile’s sexual conduct.
While staff said they were aware of his behaviour, they were scared to report it to managers, the draft report, published by news website Exaro states .
Dame Janet accepted denials from senior bosses that they were aware of his sexual activity, according to the leaked document.
She does not criticise the BBC for not uncovering the abuse, according to the report.
Another abuser
Liz Dux, a specialist abuse lawyer at Slater and Gordon, which represents 168 alleged Savile victims – many of whom where assaulted at the BBC – said: "It is deeply disturbing that this inquiry appears to have concluded the same culture which allowed Savile to commit his appalling offences with impunity still persists today.
“That little has been done at the BBC to prevent another predatory abuser using their celebrity and influence to target the young and vulnerable is of grave concern.
“I find it incredible that 107 people gave evidence to having heard rumours of his depravity and inappropriate sexual behaviour yet no one in a position of authority seemed to be aware.
“Now, more than ever before, mandatory reporting legislation needs to be brought in to make it a crime to turn a blind eye to this sort of offending.
“It also has to be said that Savile’s victims who gave evidence to this inquiry will find it upsetting that a report of this nature and sensitivity has been leaked in this way.”
A statement on the Dame Janet’s review website expressed disappointment at the leak of the draft but said it was out of date.
According to Exaro, Dame Janet says in the report: “My general impression is that most staff (other than those who had been in the higher echelons) felt that the management culture was too deferential and and that some executives were ‘above the law’.”
The BBC’s “talent” was held in “awe” by most staff, who treated them “deferentially”, she said, adding: “It would be a brave person indeed who would make a complaint against such a person.”
Savile’s sexual activities
The draft report also outlined the extent of Savile’s sexual activities, which it said “took place in virtually every one of the BBC premises at which he worked.”
The locations included the BBC Television Theatre, while on set for Jim’ll Fix It, Television Centre in connection with Top of the Pops, and Broadcasting House, where he worked for Radio 1.
Incidents also took place at the Lime Grove studios in London and BBC properties in Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow.
Dame Janet states: “He would indulge in sexual touching while working on the set (of Top Of The Pops or Jim’ll Fix It) and on at least one occasion, he was actually on camera.
“Savile would seize the opportunity for sexual contact even in public places such as corridors, staircases and canteens.”
Leaked report
Commenting on the leak, a statement on the Dame Janet Smith Review website said: "The Review is disappointed by the decision of Exaro to publish, in breach of confidence, extracts from a leaked copy of an early draft of its Report.
“That document is out of date and significant changes have been made to its contents and conclusions.
“The document should not have been made public and cannot be relied upon in any circumstances.
“The Review will work with the BBC to arrange publication of its final Report as quickly as possible to ensure that accurate and responsible reporting can take place.”
The leaked draft was published a day after the review announced that the long-delayed final report would be published within six weeks.
It said this was because “the Review has been informed by the Metropolitan Police that it is no longer concerned that publication of the Report could prejudice its ongoing investigations”.
It said final checks were being carried out ahead of delivery to the BBC and publication.
Drafts of the report will have been seen by numerous parties involved in the review.
PA